In Our western society success is inclined to be associated with possessions and material wealth. The saying;” The boys with the most toys, wins” is true; anyway according to the marketing media. Does our society as a whole, believe success is only a gauge of  materialism? Have the merchants so mesmerized the people that we now relate to materialism as the criteria for success?

While money and material possessions can be an outward sign of personal or business success it does not define it. Success is; the accomplishment  of personal, worthwhile goals.”  In this definition, success becomes a mind set or belief in a particular goal. . . no matter what it is. It is in this arena that we set the stage for accomplishment. What is viewed as success by our family, neighbors, friends and associates is the acquisition of material possessions as in size of home, type and how many cars, clothing, yacht, and so on.       

The web is redefining success

The web is a prime example of relationship detachment. It breeds self-reflection, self-indulgence, self-importance and alienation from personal relationships. When you’re  main focus is on how much money you can make, you tend to become detached from the real world. Deceit, lies, and downright theft have become food for success on the web.  Every “pitch page” looks the same, every email another come on. What happened to morals, values and honesty?      

While money is viewed as an outward sign or measure of personal career or business success, it reflects only a small piece of the bigger picture that is life.

A successful life should encompass far more than work or finances, although they are an important part of the total picture. Success encompasses five areas for stability in a life experience.

The Wheel of Life.

1. Spiritual – your relationship with God and nature.

2. Family – your relationship with your family and the family of man.

3. Finances – financial independence, your ability to keep your finances in order

4.  Physical – keeping fit to face life’s challenges

5. Mental – staying mentally fit to better decipher right from wrong.

These five important characteristics are inborn traits of man as transferred from God. (let us make man in our image and likeness) Because humans were created with God like qualities they are pleasant in the sight of God. The senses, sound, taste, sight, feel, emotion, imagination, compassion, and pleasure are all regulated for our protection. God placed a threshold on the senses of humans so He could experience His creation through their relationship with it. For our own protection, God has isolated us by the shear vastness of His ever expanding creation. To God everything is normal, but to man it is only normal within his ability of acceptance.     

Life is a unified experience

Fulfillment of life is realized when all five areas are in unison. Perhaps you  should contemplate your own specific themes and objectives that define your personal success desire so that you can better know yourself and evaluate success on your own terms. As you think about what success means to you, ask yourself a few pertinent questions:

1. Do I Enjoy My Life Now? Even though your life experience may not always be desirable, you can still experience happiness and satisfaction. Open your eyes to those things that bring you joy, and embrace them into your everyday life.

2. Am I Enriching Someone Else’s Life?  Relationships become meaningful when you demonstrate caring and love while enriching their lives in the process. Perhaps your mission in life should be in reaching out through personal giving and talents to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. It could be in the smallest thing like lending an attentive ear, or speaking words of encouragement when your spouse, child, coworker or friend is downhearted. Strive to make a difference to at least one person every single day.

3. Can I Take The Heat When Fronted With Challenges? Sometimes life comes at you ninety miles per hour but it is only a journey of perceptions. If your perceptions become challenges or problems try telling yourself; \"This is only a learning experience and I will be a better person because of it.,\"  It’s all in how are you perceiving the experience, you could continually feel frustrated and sorry for yourself but these perceptions would serve no gainful purpose. It is in facing challenges and persevering that you develop into a mature individual. It is in diversities you are able to increase your capacity for managing life and face the many opportunities you will encounter.

4. Do I already Have The Things I Need To Enjoy Life? To “enjoy life” may have different meanings for different people. Enjoying life is a mindset and something you have control over, so you should set your goal to enjoy life with abundance. God supplies abundance for you to take advantage of.  He only ask for you to be a good and thankful steward. It is ok to make it a goal to strive for abundance in your life; whether it be money, relationships, time, love, or resources. Living in abundance means you can donate money and time when appropriate and still focus clearly on your goals. It is an empowerment that you can share with those you love and admire. You are able to give freely of yourself, your time, abilities, as you reach out in love and generosity.

5. Am I Successful In The Eyes Of GOD? The litmus test is if you have it in your heart to focus on what\'s important in life while viewing it from a spiritual perspective. Since everything is borrowed from God, can you then Love Him with all your heart, all your soul, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself?  When you look in the mirror what is reflected? Does success come from the heart or is it only a means to an end? Ask yourself if you are successful because, you’re thankful and giving.

You have but one life, live it well.

Don’t let anyone plot your destiny or define success for you. Your definition of success is your character and purpose. Take the time now to reach into your heart and create your own meaning. What does success mean to you? Do you have the courage to stand up to your own measure of success and display it for the world to see? By what standards will you gauge what is meaningful for your life?

Happy Trails

Donald Yates, Former Director of Leadership and Development for the First Baptist Church of Crossville, and Business Development coordinator for Imperial Research , is now retired but continues to assist young people in engaging life through self discovery.

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